Rugby Law and Order was restored in Pretoria as the Bulls arrested the Cheetahs 5-match winning streak.

It was tough and it was demanding but the better team won 26-20.

The better team (the Cheetahs) led at halftime but overall the Bulls were more accurate in converting opportunities into points.

The Cheetahs secured a bonus point with an injury time penalty and at least took something from the trip to the country’s capital.

The first 40 was played at a frenetic pace and both teams were positive in wanting to use the ball. The good intentions didn’t necessarily translate to the best rugby but they both played with expression and adventure.

The Bulls were particularly charged up with the day doubling as the Bulls Rugby Union’s 75th anniversary. A former player parade preceded the kick-off and the Bulls took that emotion into a frantic start, but had no points to show for the early impression.

The Cheetahs, unbeaten in five matches, displayed more composure, were not hassled and settled to take a 6-0 lead midway through the first half and did enough to lead 9-6 at the break.

The Bulls, inspired by Jano Vermaak’s individual brilliance, got ahead 16-9 on 45 minutes and never relinquished the lead.

The Cheetahs had the chance to draw level with five minutes to go but Burton Francis, the goalkicking hero of the win against the Stormers, couldn’t repeat his heroics and missed with a conversion.

The Bulls, almost immediately, made the game safe with a Callie Visagie try and while the Cheetahs clawed back three points there wasn’t enough time left to make up a two-score deficit.